Thoughts on the Role of Attorneys in Society
There are a few stereotypes in our society, probably brought on by network television and the specter of the untrustworthy, that paint attorneys as either hot-shots in the courtroom, all flashy rhetoric and style, or as shysters, dishonest and greedy. Though these both may exist, the majority would probably not fit into these stereotypes.
Attorneys come in many different types, but all have some tie to the practice of law. Attorneys can do many things, though. Attorneys can give legal advice to those who need it, sometimes avoiding the need for a trial. Oftentimes this is the aim of those who prefer to stay out of court and settle matters in a less traumatic manner than a lawsuit. Sometimes attorneys draft contracts for their clients, ensuring that their clients can, for example, dodge liability in some cases. Contract work, as I understand it, can be rather boring, but I must assume that some find it rather enjoyable, and certainly clients enjoy the end result of not being in any kind of legal trouble. Attorneys can and do represent clients in court or in negotiations, ensuring or at least improving the odds that their clients’ travails have a favorable outcome.
But these are really only shallow descriptions of the occupation, and not an explanation of the role. To my mind, attorneys are of service to people who need help. This help is almost always of a positive kind – legal advice preventing an action, a good contract protecting the parties involved and providing direction, or a favorable outcome in trial.
After all this, I think the role of the attorney is the same as any civic-minded person. We should always – every day – ask the question, “How can I be of service?”
Note: Forgive me, this is a combination of a 1L assignment and a memory of an episode of “The West Wing”. Regular programming restarts tomorrow.
